[Update: transitional fractures : Osseous injuries in growing up adolescents-correct nomenclature, radiological diagnostics and treatment]

Radiologe. 2020 Dec;60(12):1183-1194. doi: 10.1007/s00117-020-00770-7.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Transitional fractures are special forms of epiphyseal injuries in adolescents in whom the growth plate is already partially closed. Due to the partial ossification specific stereotypical fracture patterns can develop, which can be differentiated into twoplane, triplane I and triplane II fractures, depending on the involvement of the metaphysis and the number of fragments. At the beginning of the diagnostics conventional projection radiography in two planes is used; however, due to the complex fracture patterns computed tomography (CT) is often indicated, also for preoperative planning. The treatment depends on the extent of the fracture dislocation, which should be an integral part of the radiological findings, as dislocation of fragments less than 2 mm in size are usually treated conservatively. Prognostically relevant is above all the reconstruction of the joint surfaces, as early arthrosis can be a threat if the incongruity remains-relevant growth disturbances in the case of growth joint closure that has already begun are usually no longer expected.

Keywords: Epiphyseal injuries; Fractures in adolescence; Growth plate; Triplane fractures; Twoplane fractures.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal
  • Growth Plate* / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Radiography
  • Salter-Harris Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Tibial Fractures* / diagnostic imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed